Project 52 by Bryan (BJ Denning)

[BJ Denning]

This week a new Sea Lion exhibit opened in our local Zoo. I understand that getting shots of animals in the wild is perfered, but we just don't have anything interesting in the middle of US (aside from the random mountain lion or bear -- but far and few between). Additionally, the zoo re-introduced some lion cubs to our local pride. Below are a few of my shots. All taken with Canon 7d, 70-200mm II.

Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: -0.33 EV


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0.33 EV


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: -0.33 EV


I felt so sorry for the big cats. We have hit summer hard, with temperatures ~104 F (~40 C).

[Geoff F]

Composition, focus and exposure all perfect.

That sea lion reminds me of a stereotype portly retired colonel.

Do you get people like that where you live?

[BJ Denning]

Composition, focus and exposure all perfect.

That sea lion reminds me of a stereotype portly retired colonel.

Do you get people like that where you live?

Lol ... not so much. But now that you mention it, I can see it. Appreciate the response as always Geoff.

[BJ Denning]

Of course this week is the celebration of the US independence. So the photos have to reflect as much ...


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 9 sec (1/0)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 32 mm
ISO Speed: 100

I really wish I had a way to light the flag. There was a slight breeze, so I never really got a good shot without motion blur.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 14 sec (1/0)
Aperture: f/16
Focal Length: 65 mm
ISO Speed: 100


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 6 sec (1/0)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 32 mm
ISO Speed: 100


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 10 sec (1/0)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 45 mm
ISO Speed: 100

[BJ Denning]

Now I feel like I'm falling behind. This week I had my first requested gig. A friend is managing a local band who was playing and we struck a deal for some shots. My first time shooting a band in such low light with the pressure of the event timing. I enjoyed the time, got a few shots I like and they do also, and am ready to go again.

As always constructive criticism is appreciated. Images shot with a Canon 5d Mkii, 70-200 F2.8 II @ 2.8, ISO 3200-4000.

[BJ Denning]

Behind again :-(
My excuse is that it has been unusually hot and most everything is melted. I would like to find an open studio to practice portraits ... but in the mean time ...

I find B&W to be extremely subtle and have a lot to learn ...

I've seen some wonderful B&W elephant shots. The texture of their skin seems to lend itself ...

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: -1 EV

With this shot I was trying to capture the feel of the willow tree on right and allow the river to lead the eye to the building in the far-field center. Unfortunately the sky was un-interesting. Still need more practice.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.167 sec (1/6)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 40 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: -0.67 EV

[Geoff F]

They work fine for me Bryan.

Both were potentially tricky in that using B&W could have easily resulted in similar contrast between subject and background so that parts of the subject weren't clearly isolated.

But you have managed to avoid that and produce pleasing photos.

[BJ Denning]

So I stumbled onto some free baseball tickets. Well a local photo group was going to meet to shoot the local Minor-League team, so I thought this would be good practice. Here are the practice results ...


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 100


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 400


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 400

I have to say, that ball moves pretty fast. It took several bursts to even get the blur leaving the pitchers hand. Would have been nice to have a longer lens. But all in all, I'm not disappointed.

[BJ Denning]

Now I'm playing catch-up again. A local studio had an open night. They invite in a bunch of models and local photographers and everyone mingles and captures what they can.

Taking the shot is getting easier, it's directing the model and taking the shot that I need alot more practice with. It's tough keeping control of the situation, especially with 3-5 other photographers "helping". Still a good opportunity and experience.

Since we were all vying for time, many of these are at high ISO because they were taken without the pocket wizard (e.g. over the shoulder of someone else). The intent was a edgier lighting as the "theme" was concert photography. The studio did have colored lights, but you need the wizard to fire them.


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 120 mm
ISO Speed: 1600


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/9
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 100


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 130 mm
ISO Speed: 1600

[Geoff F]

Sharp and well exposed under what must have been difficult circumstances, Bryan.

Anything which means getting closely involved in working alongside other photographers, and jostling for position, is designed to make me walk the other way.

I prefer to 'work within my own space'.

And the previous posts, which haven't had any comments, also worked well for me.

[FrankMi]

This week a new Sea Lion exhibit opened in our local Zoo. I understand that getting shots of animals in the wild is perfered, but we just don't have anything interesting in the middle of US (aside from the random mountain lion or bear -- but far and few between). Additionally, the zoo re-introduced some lion cubs to our local pride.

Looks like all of these shots are exhibiting the animals in very nice natural settings.

[BJ Denning]

Sharp and well exposed under what must have been difficult circumstances, Bryan.

Anything which means getting closely involved in working alongside other photographers, and jostling for position, is designed to make me walk the other way.

I prefer to 'work within my own space'.

And the previous posts, which haven't had any comments, also worked well for me.

Thanks Geoff. The shoot was challenging, but there's always something to learn (even if it's patience). I also met some great models and potential future clients. So, it's all good.

[BJ Denning]

Looks like all of these shots are exhibiting the animals in very nice natural settings.

Thanks Frank. As silly as it sounds, I spend enough time at the local zoo that the I like to believe the animals recognize me ;-) At least, I'm sure that I understand a few of their personalities.

[BJ Denning]

I'm so far behind ... I will get to 52, just maybe not by Dec 31st.

This weekend consisted of a local Japanese Festival and some time at the local Zoo. I just received my new 50 1.4 and wanted to take it for a spin. What I've learned is that IS has made me sloppy and I need to pay attention to the basics. I really love the lens.


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture: f/2
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0 sec (1/4000)
Aperture: f/2
Focal Length: 50 mm

And a one from the zoo ... I love how the tree leads the eye in the diagonal and the slight play of color in the branch against the snow leopard.

Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 200

[dje]

Great shots Bryan. The umbrellas are quite striking and the third one of the leopard (is it?) is so natural looking - a really good composition IMO.

Dave

[Geoff F]

You have certainly managed to avoid the normal 'zoo type' of shot with the leopard.

[BJ Denning]

Great shots Bryan. The umbrellas are quite striking and the third one of the leopard (is it?) is so natural looking - a really good composition IMO.
Dave

Thanks Dave. I really like the 50 1.4. The first shot is a little soft, but when you get your form right the narrow DOF on the 1.4 can be striking.

You have certainly managed to avoid the normal 'zoo type' of shot with the leopard.

Thanks Geoff. This shot was taken through a wire net type cage (you can see some artifacts). Usually the snow leopards are sleeping in thier cave. It was nice to find one up and active. They are so much thicher than the amur leopards (the yellow/orange ones). I was very pleased with the angle, making this shot one of my favorites.

[BJ Denning]

I stumbled onto some free tickets to a baseball game. Oddly enough I never visited my seat ;-)


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Speed: 100


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Guess where the ball went ...

Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 100

[BJ Denning]

I went to my first airshow, at least as a photographer. I think I got some keepers, but I definitely learned a thing or two. First My shutter was far too fast, I stopped the propeller instead of getting that nice circle blur.

F-16 Thunder birds. The F-16 is a tiny aircraft, not a big fan. But you have to appreciate the skill of the pilots.

Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 165 mm
ISO Speed: 100

No photoshop .... a little Lightroom


Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 100

B-2, This guy was super quite and thin (from head on)

[BJ Denning]

Ok, so I'm now playing a little catch-up. These were from a local Ballon race, specifically the "glow" the night before.


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.167 sec (1/6)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 73 mm
ISO Speed: 400


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 28 mm
ISO Speed: 100


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.3 sec (1/3)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 47 mm
ISO Speed: 100